History of Cooperative Extension

When
President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Lever Act on May 18, 1914, he
called it “one of the most significant and far-reaching measures for
the education of adults ever adopted by the government.” Its purpose
clearly stated by Congress was “to aid in diffusing among the people of
the United States useful and practical information on subjects related
to agriculture and home economics, and to encourage the application of
the same.” The underlying principle of the system was to “help people
help themselves” by “taking the university to the people.” The system
evolved into an institution that is responsive to priority needs and
focuses its resources on providing quality information, education, and
problem-solving on real concerns.

The Cooperative Extension system
today is a unique achievement in American education. Many countries
have tried to copy it, but it is yet to be duplicated. It is an agency
for change and for problem solving, a catalyst for individual and group
action with the history of over 90 years of public education and
service. Extension brings the reward of higher education into the lives
of all segments of our communities (Wayne D. Rasmussen, Taking the
University to the People, 1989).

We have been told that we live in
an age of information, a knowledge age. There is more information
available to us on a daily basis than we can probably ever digest in a
lifetime. And yet, sometimes the quality and quantity of that
information can be suspect. How can we know for certain which web
sites, television programs, and printed publications are giving us the
kind of credible information we need to make healthy, productive, and
life-long impacts for ourselves, our families, and our communities?

The
Cooperative Extension system is one of the few trusted sources for such
information. The programs offered through CCE are based on unbiased
research. The full credibility of Cornell University, as well as other
land-grant institutions and partners throughout the United States is
brought to every rural and urban community in New York State. And it’s
not just about agriculture and home economics anymore. Cooperative
Extension delivers programming in youth development, life skills,
nutrition and health, agricultural sustainability, environmental
education, job skills, and community development.Sometimes it’s
one-on-one. Other times it’s in a workshop, group or meeting.
Sometimes it’s in a classroom, or in a field, or on the phone. It’s an
educator or program assistant, or a volunteer. Sometimes it’s via
satellite or on the web. It really doesn’t matter, because it’s all
about broadening knowledge.Cooperative Extension is the door to
knowledge in your neighborhood. It has stood the test of time for over
90 years. And even though times change, the need for knowledge never
does.